Just as you must refresh and replace the water in your hot tub, you should also learn how to keep your hot tub cover clean on its interior and exterior. Aim to do so once every few months to keep it protected from the elements.
Surprisingly, vinyl covers are sensitive to sunlight. Like us, UV rays can damage its skin. For this reason, you need to protect it. Just as we have sunblock, hot tub covers have special chemicals for cleaning and sealing. In fact, the wrong product could actually thin or fade it! This is why it’s important to maintain it well.
Treat Your Hot Tub to Improve Its Longevity
Despite what you may think, lid cleaning is best done to a dry surface. Choose to clean your spa cover during a week of little to no rain. Wipe away any dew or moisture with a soft towel before treating or conditioning.
Once dry, use a soft brush to remove dirt and grime. Once noticeably rejuvenated, spray your treatment and let soak for one to three minutes. Refrain from using products with alcohol, bleach, detergent, wax or oil. Similar to our skin, such things bake the surface in the sun. It also dries the vinyl out, leading to cracking and fading.
Rub in the spray for full absorption, then rinse with water to wash away residual dirt and chemicals. Only after cleaning should you apply conditioner.
Conditioner improves the lid’s resilience. Without conditioner, you leave your hot tub cover exposed: it seals the vinyl.
Checking Under the Cover
The underside of the lid doesn’t need as much attention as the top. That is unless you see mould or mildew or smell a bad odour. In such cases, you’ll need to unzip the cover, remove the inside foam, and treat the vinyl. If the foam has been damaged, you may need a new hot tub cover.
To clean the surface, use a non-abrasive solution and scrub the spores away. Some bleach-based products suit this purpose well, but ask for recommendations the next time you’re in our store or at your nearest pool supply store.
Once sufficiently clean, rinse with cool water and pat dry. You should keep the foam and the vinyl separate until fully dry. Store them in the sun for an hour or two to kill untreated mould or mildew.
Repairing Cracks and Tears in the Lid
Small rips and weathering do not warrant a replacement lid. You can tape, patch, sew, or staple (stainless steel) the vinyl for minor repairs. Ensure that you use the right materials. Otherwise, you may leave your hot tub cover susceptible to further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my hot tub from the sun?
Protect your hot tub cover from the sun just as you would your skin. There are special UV protection products to apply to the surface of your hot tub cover. Use a recommended product for UV protection after cleaning any dirt or grime with a soft brush.
How long should a hot tub cover last?
The normal shelf life of a spa cover can last at least up to four to five years. The life of your hot tub cover will depend on whether it is protected from the elements such as sunlight (harmful UV rays), falling debris, tree sap, etc.
How often should you replace your hot tub cover?
Even with all protective measures being taken, you will most likely need to replace your hot tub cover every five to seven years. Often many covers will become waterlogged and retain more water and less heat.
